Skip to content

Does radiation affect eggs, ovaries?

Page last modified on: September 19, 2008
Question from Kelly: Does radiation affect eggs in the ovaries of pre-menopausal women? The numerous x-rays and scanning machines used during treatment concern me, as my husband and I will not be able to try to have children for a while yet.
Answers —Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.: After radiation therapy, usually within about two years, we recommend our patients can try to get pregnant. This varies, and I understand is controversial. Some expect their patients to wait longer or have families earlier.

During the course of radiation, we would certainly never treat someone who is pregnant because of the tiny scatter dose to the baby and to the ovaries. This would not be enough to disturb a menstrual cycle or affect fertility, but it's a precautionary measure more than anything.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: The recommendation to wait two years after finishing treatment is separate from the concern about any small scatter to the ovaries. This delay until trying to get pregnant is more related to getting past the highest risk period of recurrence just to make sure you're OK, cancer-free, and ready to take on the responsibility of being a parent.

Editor's Note: For more information about fertility and breast cancer treatment, see Breastcancer.org's section on Fertility, Pregnancy, and Adoption.

On Wednesday, March 17, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Radiation Therapy Updates. Lydia T. Komarnicky, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about advances in radiation therapy: the newest and best techniques, combining radiation therapy with other treatments, ways to manage, reduce or eliminate side effects, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

wellness_dvd_promo

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Please leave this field empty

Meet the Experts

Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.Lydia Komarnicky, M.D. is a Philadelphia-trained physician and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Medical College of Pennsylvania.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

Back to top

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

Learn more about our commitment to your privacy

© 2009 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.